These are known as extra-articiular manifestations.
This can lead to daytime tiredness, interrupted sleep, and snoring due to blocked airways while asleep.
They develop in approximately 25% of all patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Vasculitis
Rheumatoid vasculitis is rare but serious.
These conditions can cause shortness of breath, a dry cough, and chest pain.
It triggers when inflammation attacks the salivary glands.
There is no cure for it, but it can be treated with biologics.
This loss of muscle mass may alter body composition and increase total body fat in sedentary individuals.
Eye Irritation
Inflammatory changes that occur with rheumatoid arthritis can also attack the eyes.
Risks of depression and anxiety increase as RA progresses, and this can lead to long-term disturbed sleep.
This is due to the medications' inflammatory effects.
Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms and blood work.
X-rays are often performed to examine joints for signs of bone damage and joint space narrowing.
Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is important for accurately diagnosing the condition and preventing it from progressing.
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